"It's good enough. Anyway, I'll trouble you for the money."

Edgar was sensible of indignation mixed with amusement. This
overbearing fellow did not know George Lansing.

"I think you had better take off your hat before we go any
farther--it's customary. Then you may tell me what I owe you."

The man looked astonished, but he complied with the suggestion, and
afterward stated his charge, which was unusually high. Edgar noticed
that Grant was watching George with quiet interest.

"I suppose you have a note from Mrs. Marston fixing the price?"

The other explained that the matter had been arranged verbally.

"Was anybody else present when you came to terms?" George asked.

"You can quit feeling, and pay up!" exclaimed the stranger. "I've told
you how much it is."

"The trouble is that you're asking nearly double the usual charge per
acre."

Grant smiled approvingly, but the man advanced with a truculent air to
the table at which George was sitting.

"I've done the work; that's good enough for me."